Normally, when traveling, I first choose where I want to go, then choose the hotel. In the case of AQUA DOME, I was so intrigued by the levitating pools that the hotel was in itself enough of a reason to make the ~200 km drive to Längenfeld, Tyrol, Austria from Munich. I always enjoy my time in Tyrol, but the Ötztal is something else. We’re talking seriously big mountains here and that’s coming from someone who grew up in the Canadian Rockies!
Without a doubt, one of the highlights of the AQUA DOME is the Spa 3000, Sauna World and Fitness Center. You could easily spend several days without leaving the spa area – it’s HUGE! There are levitating pools, thermal pools, an activity pool for swimming lengths, an indoor pool and even a children’s area, separate from the adult area.
The spa offers a range of services. J.P. (my German husband) and I were treated to the Color Exposure Treatment (Farbbestrahlung) in which you choose a color and a special light machine flashed colors across your face and a CD played while you rested. J.P. is not usually one for spa treatments but even he liked it (he choose the color purple) and said he couldn’t believe how relaxed he felt. I choose orange and felt relaxed but at the same time refreshed. We also were treated to the Welcome in Ötztal (Ankommen im Ötztal) package which is a facial, followed by a foot massage. My skin glowed afterwards, and although J.P. was apprehensive about his first ever facial, afterwards he kept touching his face saying My skin is so soft! (He’s going to kill me for writing that, but it’s true!)
Feeling completely relaxed we were off to enjoy the relaxation areas. There are a choice of relaxation areas including a textile-free (no bathing suits allowed – just robes and towels) and a textile area (where clothing is permitted). We spent time in both areas. My favorites were soaking in the tubs overlooking the Ötztal (pictured above) in the textile area and the Salt Floating Relaxation area in the textile-free area – with my towel on:
We were then off to Sauna World ( a textile-free area). I’ve never seen anything like it! There are 10 different saunas ranging from a hay sauna to a loft sauna to a floating relaxation room designed with salt stones. Floating naked isn’t really my thing (although J.P. did it with no qualms). He also checked out the mineral bath:
I did a quick (naked) walk through the Glacier Cave when it was empty. Needless to say was freeeeezzzzing, but refreshing!
I could have easily spent several days alternating between getting treatments, joining one of the yoga classes, and resting in one of the many relaxation areas or thermal pools!
The hotel itself is also beautiful. We stayed in a Junior Suite with mountain views and toured suites that had a fire-place. My favorite room was the Family room, which had two separate bedrooms, a dining and living room area AND two bathrooms – brilliant if traveling with kids or friends!
Staying at AQUA DOME is not cheap, but it does offer exceptional value. The rates include use of the spa and sauna areas, plus include a buffet breakfast and a five course dinner each night of your stay. Exercise classes and guided hiking excursions are also included in the rate. There are extra touches to make your stay more comfortable such as fresh fruit in your room upon arrival, free parking and Wi-fi and my personal favorite – free access to the non-alcoholic mini bar in your room which is replenished each day! And get this – free child care while you enjoy a spa treatment or some time relaxing!
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at AQUA DOME and will be back. It’s a wonderful weekend getaway from Munich, although you could easily spend more time there. Travel tip: You will definitely want to arrive on a Friday night if you are traveling as a couple….Check back to find out why. Book your stay at AQUA DOME here or follow the hotel on Facebook for all the latest updates.
Thank you to the AQUA DOME Tirol Therme Längenfeld for making my visit possible. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
The spa area looks fantastic! Looks like you could definitely have a relaxing and romantic getaway here.
@Jennifer – Most definitely, would love to go back. I’ve never seen anything like the spa area before.
Curious about the Friday night comment and what is so wonderful. My wife and I are looking to go to the Aqua Dome next month and would either arrive on Thursday night or Saturday night. Could you give me any insight?
Really love the blog, btw. We have also done 40+ countries, lived in Italy & the US and love wine so love reading about your adventures.
Thanks.
@Tom Glad to hear that you will be visiting.
Thanks for your kind words. Always nice to connect with fellow travellers.
My wife and I are planning on staying there next month but she feels a bit uncomfortable about the nakedness and she thinks she’ll have to be walking around naked the whole time.. Are the outdoor pools “textile-free only” areas? How much of the hotel do you have to be walking around nude? Also are the outdoor pools open all night for hotel guests?
Thanks!
@William – I completey understand your wife feeling uncomfortable. There are certain areas where clothing (i.e. a bathing suit) is allowed and others that are “textile-free”. AQUA DOME does it very well though and many of these areas are dimly lit, which I really appreciated. You are required to wear a bathing suit in the pools as they are in the rest of the hotel. The outdoor pools close, but I can’t remember exactly what time. Enjoy! I loved it there and watch for an upcoming post called “The Prude’s Guide to the Naked Sauna”.